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Embedded System Validation Engineer Jobs in Santa Barbara, CA

Alcon

Principal FPGA Engineer II

Goleta, CA · On-site

$150K - $183K/yr

As a Principal, FPGA Engineer II supporting Research & Development of Alcon's Surgical ... Testing embedded system through UART/RS-232, J-tag debugger, LEDs, oscilloscope, logic analyzer ...

Toyon

Electrical Engineer

Goleta, CA

$115K - $200K/yr

Design and build mixed-signal and embedded system circuits and custom PCBAs * Drive hardware ... Troubleshoot and resolve complex or unusual engineering challenges under tight timelines

Toyon

Senior Electrical Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$140K - $230K/yr

Design and build mixed-signal and embedded system circuits and custom PCBAs * Drive hardware ... Troubleshoot and resolve complex or unusual engineering challenges under tight timelines

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All JobsEmbedded System Validation Engineer JobsEmbedded System Validation Engineer Jobs in Santa Barbara, CA

Embedded System Validation Engineer information

See Santa Barbara, CA salary details

$69.5K

$152.7K

$213.6K

How much do embedded system validation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded system validation engineer in Santa Barbara, CA is $152,741.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $124,100.00 and $181,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an embedded system validation engineer?

Embedded System Validation Engineers are professionals responsible for testing and verifying that embedded systems—specialized computing systems within larger devices—function correctly and meet design specifications. They develop and execute validation plans, create test cases, and use debugging tools to identify hardware and software issues. Their work ensures the reliability, safety, and performance of products such as automotive systems, medical devices, and consumer electronics. Collaboration with design and development teams is crucial to address any detected issues before product release.

What are some common challenges faced by embedded system validation engineers during product testing?

Embedded System Validation Engineers often encounter challenges such as debugging complex hardware-software interactions, managing limited access to prototypes, and ensuring thorough test coverage across various hardware configurations. Collaborating closely with firmware developers and hardware designers is essential to identify and resolve issues efficiently. Additionally, staying updated with new validation tools and methodologies can be necessary to address evolving technology and product requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an embedded system validation engineer, and why are they important?

To excel as an Embedded System Validation Engineer, a strong background in embedded systems, electronics, and programming languages like C/C++ is essential, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with validation tools, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, version control systems, and test automation frameworks is commonly required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are vital soft skills for diagnosing complex issues and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These abilities ensure comprehensive system validation, high product quality, and successful integration in complex hardware-software environments.

What is the difference between Embedded System Validation Engineer vs Firmware Test Engineer?

AspectEmbedded System Validation EngineerFirmware Test Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Computer Engineering, or related; certifications like ISTQB are commonBachelor's in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering; similar certifications often used
Work EnvironmentHardware and software testing in embedded systems, often in labs or manufacturingSoftware testing of firmware, mainly in development or testing labs
Industry UsageAutomotive, consumer electronics, industrial automationConsumer electronics, IoT devices, embedded systems
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The Embedded System Validation Engineer focuses on validating both hardware and software components of embedded systems, ensuring overall system functionality. In contrast, the Firmware Test Engineer primarily tests the firmware or software running on embedded devices. While both roles require similar technical skills and certifications, their focus areas differ: validation of entire systems versus software-specific testing.

What are popular job titles related to Embedded System Validation Engineer jobs in Santa Barbara, CA?

For Embedded System Validation Engineer jobs in Santa Barbara, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Santa Barbara, CA are hiring for Embedded System Validation Engineer jobs?

Cities near Santa Barbara, CA with the most Embedded System Validation Engineer job openings:

Embedded System Validation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Embedded System Validation Engineer job openings in Santa Barbara, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $152,741 per year, or $73.4 per hour.

Flight Software C++ Engineer with Security Clearance

Toyon Research Corporation

Goleta, CA • On-site

$130K - $220K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

U.S. Citizenship is Required. Ability to qualify for a US Department of Defense Top Secret security clearance required. Candidate must be SAP program eligible. This position is in person. Toyon is seeking a passionate and talented Flight Software C++ Engineer to join our growing team developing cutting-edge aerospace flight systems and diagnostic tools. This role is critical to research and development of new flight systems, from requirements definition to prototype hardware test and delivery. Responsibilities * Design, develop, and test flight software components in C++ for embedded systems
* Develop and maintain firmware for flight controllers and related hardware
* Participate in software code reviews and contribute to improving software development processes
* Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams of engineers, scientists, and project managers to translate technical requirements into robust and efficient software solutions
* Develop and execute rigorous testing methodologies, including unit, integration, and system-level testing in simulation and on actual flight hardware
* Write clean, well-documented, and maintainable code adhering to best practices and coding standards
* Contribute to the full software development lifecycle, from requirements analysis and architecture design to coding, verification, and validation of flight-critical software
* Design, develop, and implement real-time, safety-critical flight software in C/C++ for embedded systems within aerospace and defense platforms Requirements * Deep Systems Knowledge: A bachelor’s degree encompassing a strong academic background in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field, with a focus on embedded systems and real-time computing
* Mastery of Embedded C/C++: Minimum of 3 years of demonstrated professional experience developing safety-critical, real-time embedded software using C or C++
* Aerospace/Flight Software Expertise: Proven experience working with flight software principles, real-time operating systems (RTOS), and understanding of aerospace hardware interfaces and protocols 
* Navigating Embedded Systems: Proven capability to rapidly understand and contribute to complex embedded software architectures, device drivers, and low-level hardware interactions
* Commitment to Mission Criticality: A profound passion for building highly reliable, safety-critical flight software that directly ensures mission success and public safety.
* Excellent communication and collaboration skills
* Ability to develop software independently and as part of a team
* Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance
Preferred * Master’s or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Engineering, Math, or a physical science
* Demonstrated experience with software/firmware Failure Mode, Effects, and Criticality Analysis (FMECA)
* Demonstrated experience implementing DO-178C standards for aerospace avionics or MISRA equivalents
* Strong understanding of statistics and data analysis
* Demonstrated experience using Monte Carlo methods for systems-level analysis
* Experience with guidance, navigation, and control
WE OFFER AN EXCEPTIONAL EMPLOYEE BENEFITS PACKAGE! * Competitive Industry Pay
* 100% Employer-Paid Medical Insurance Premium
* HSA with Employer Contributions
* Dental and Vision Coverage Options
* Paid Holidays
* Paid Vacation and Sick leave
* Company Funded 401(k) and Profit Sharing Plans
* Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
* Life and Disability Insurance  
* Paid Parental Leave
* Discretionary Bonus Eligibility
The annual pay range for the Flight Software C++ Engineer position is $130,000 to $220,000. The posted pay range values provide the candidate with guidance on annual base compensation for the position, at a full time level of effort, exclusive of overtime, bonus, and benefits-related compensation, over a range of qualifications that may fit hiring objectives. Toyon Research Corporation will consider the individual candidate’s education, work experience, applicable knowledge, skills and training, among other factors, when preparing an offer of employment.   Equal Opportunity Employer including Disability and Veterans    Applicant Privacy Notice  Learn more about our company in our latest video, We are Toyon.  The application window for this posting will remain open until the position is filled.    Ref #2647-H

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